Welcome, Reader! I suffer from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the healthy tissue of the body. 'Lupus' manifests in different ways, generally lasts a lifetime and symptoms flare up and go into remission for a variety of reasons. Many elements of lupus and autoimmune disease in general are poorly understood. At least it isn't contagious.
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| "F-U Fingey!!" |
My biggest ongoing problem is my hands. These wretched little paws turn a spectacular shade of blue from Raynaud's syndrome. The tips of my fingers get crusty patches which fall off, leaving me without fingertips. It looks painful, and yes, it is. Dressing oneself- buttons, pulling socks on, shoe laces - it all requires delicate action from fingertips.
A further indignity took me a while to fully realize. Strangers sometimes think of crack heads/ meth users who burn their fingers on the hot pipe, and mistake me for such a tragedy. Ugh.
The arthritis and stiffness are well managed with NSAID treatment, so at least there's that. I am aware that people who lose their hands to land mines or IEDs would be thankful for what leaves me feeling defeated and pathetic.
I dedicate this to anybody else suffering with hand problems. Sometimes it feels good to know you are not the only one out there with bad skin problems on your hands. So if you see this, and it helps you feel better only because you think, 'at least that's not me!', I am glad this helped.
I will share my voyage of lotions, potions, treatments, ablutions, therapies - anything that might help me regrow my fingertips. Very little is off the list of possibilities, I am desperate, not squeamish and resourceful. Maybe I will try something along the way that will help your health voyage!
(c)2019 Hand Hell
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